Polk County deputies lead in immigration enforcement according to a new report, and Florida Democrats call on lawmakers to fund food banks amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has reported more immigration-related encounters than any other local law enforcement agency in Florida. That’s according to the state board of immigration enforcement.

The Polk County Sheriff’s office polices around 850,000 people, and its goal is to keep everyone safe.

“We’re not out here going to job sites, going to businesses, going to agriculture fields. We’re just bumping into people as we do our normal daily business,” Sheriff Grady Judd said about the office’s immigration enforcement.

Since August, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has had more than 400 immigration encounters, second in line after the Florida Highway Patrol. That’s according to the state board of immigration enforcement.

The board was created in February by Gov. Ron DeSantis to help deport people without legal status. The board recently experienced a change in leadership.

Larry Keefe is no longer the executive director of the State Board of Immigration Enforcement. Keefe held this position since February of this year, and it is not clear where he will head next.

“Larry has done a number of things in our administration over the years, and he has performed at a very high level with honor and integrity, and we really thank him for his service,” DeSantis sai during Tuesday’s cabinet meeting over the phone.

DeSantis appointed Anthony Coker as the next executive director. He was the liaison to the state of Florida for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Florida Democrats call on lawmakers to fund local food banks amid government shutdown

Florida Democrats are urging Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency amid the ongoing government shutdown.

That’s because millions of Floridians may soon find themselves without federal food assistance — like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Some lawmakers are urging DeSantis to use emergency dollars to help resupply local food banks.

“Florida has the fiscal strength to respond. What’s needed now is the moral will to act,” Florida Democrats wrote in an open letter.

The request by all 43 Florida Democrats comes as federal funds for food stamps are set to expire November 1.

After that, it’s estimated that nearly three million Floridians would lose access.

“If feeding our neighbors doesn’t count as a state of emergency I don’t know what else would,” State House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell said.

SNAP provides food assistance to almost 42 million Americans. Among them are seniors, the unemployed, and people with disabilities.

The office of the governor didn’t return a request for comment.